Phobias

Phobias: When fear becomes a disease

Phobias are a group of mental disorders that are characterized by anxiety, fear or horror caused by certain situations or objects that do not pose a real threat. Phobias can be associated with various objects, such as open spaces, cramped rooms, animals, heights, thunderstorms, darkness, etc., and are often associated with depression. Most phobic disorders, except social phobias, are more common in women.

The causes of phobic disorders are unknown, but there are indications of the role of heredity. Phobias can also be triggered by traumatic situations, such as an animal attack or an accident. Although the risk of developing a phobia may be increased by such events, not everyone who experiences them will develop a phobia.

The essence of phobic disorders is the occurrence of anxiety (even panic) in certain situations, as a result of which patients begin to avoid them. For example, a person with agoraphobia may be afraid to leave the house due to fear of open spaces, crowds, or the inability to return home immediately. At the same time, a person with claustrophobia may fear closed spaces such as rooms, elevators or subways. People with social phobia fear and avoid situations in which they must perform actions in front of others. In such situations, patients experience physical symptoms such as tachycardia, sweating, facial flushing, shortness of breath, dry mouth, hand tremors, nausea and dizziness.

Specific phobias are associated with certain objects or situations, such as animals, heights, thunderstorms, the dark, flying in an airplane, the sight of blood, dental treatment, or fear of certain diseases. People with these phobias often recognize that their fear is unreasonable or exaggerated, but are unable to control their emotions.

Panic disorders are repeated attacks of severe anxiety (panic) that are not associated with a specific situation or object and are therefore unpredictable. Sudden, intense fear and discomfort are combined with physical symptoms such as palpitations and rapid pulse, sweating, chills and trembling, heart pain, suffocation, nausea, weakness, numbness, fear of death and others.

Treatment for phobias may include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps the patient change their thoughts and behavior in situations that cause fear. Medication may be used as an adjunct to psychotherapy, especially for severe cases of phobias or panic disorders.

Overall, phobias are a fairly common mental disorder that can seriously affect the patient's quality of life. But, like many other mental disorders, phobias can be successfully treated. If you suspect you have a phobia, contact your doctor or therapist for more information and treatment.